It’s always particularly exciting when an old and unusual item is brought into the Repair Café, and this is what happened at our event in September. A 1930s home movie projector kit – a Pathe Kid – which had languished in a shed for years, was brought in with a broken winder and was successfully repaired by one of our volunteers. Bought by its current owner for £10 at a car boot sale, research showed that this kit sold for 50 shillings back in its day, quite a price just after the depression, which would in today’s money equate to a month’s wages for a factory worker or a clerk back then! Still complete with two films “The Joy of the House” and “River and Canal Locks”, its original bulbs, its power supply that plugs into a light socket and instructions, its owner can now enjoy it to the full .
In fact, our September Repair Café brought in a bumper crop of items, around 65 in all, and was easily the busiest event we’ve had so far. With around 20 volunteer repairers kept fully occupied with vacuum cleaners, lamps, walkie talkies, kettles, fans, clothing, bikes, computers and much else besides, and a roaring trade being done in the refreshments department, an excellent morning was had by all. Talking of refreshments, rumour has it that bacon butties could be on the menu next time round, along with our delicious array of freshly home baked cakes – something for everyone!
Here’s a message from our computer experts. “Are you getting the most from your PC, laptop, tablet and mobile phone? Do you need help setting up a new device or with ensuring your mobile phone photos are being backed up and with how to access them on your PC or tablet? Don’t be embarrassed to ask – we are here to assist you in every way possible.” You can always book your computer slot at the Café beforehand either via our Facebook page – RepairCafeBlackdowns – or by contacting me: trishacomrie@gmail.com or 01823 602 908. The next Repair Café is at Hemyock Parish Hall on Saturday 24 November from 10am to 12 noon, so looking forward to seeing you there!